FAQ's: Frequently Asked Questions
What is “healthy” and “organic” about
Organic Choice's cleaning process?
Our process is health promoting and safe for kids, pets and those with allergies
or environmental sensitivities. We use a "double cleaning" carpet cleaning
system
developed
by founder David Skuse, which uses
all-natural,
organic solutions and rinses to balance the fabric’s pH. This system combines
a low moisture approach with traditional "steam" cleaning, and improves
indoor air quality by removing
pollutants.
Indoor air
quality
(IAQ)
is
a
key
factor
in
our
health.
As
experienced, certified water damage restoration technicians, we leave carpets
in a low moisture state. Our
hot water
extraction uses all-natural (mainly citrus and soy) products from Bi-O-Kleen
Industries,
Fiber Glow (carpet cleaning) and Bac-Out (enzyme treatment for cleaning/deodorizing
bodily fluids). The extraction is followed by a bonnet (cotten pad) cleaning.
No products
are used that contain detergents, butyls, or phosphates.
What kind
of equipment do you use?
We keep current with technology by using the best equipment and approaches
available. (Be aware, however, that different carpet cleaners may
strongly disagree on what
is the "best" way to clean carpet.) We dry-vacuum/extract carpet to
remove particulate soils, choosing equipment depending on the height of the pile.
We do two wet carpet passes - first using a scrub wand for a prespray/extraction,
then a follow-up pass to remove soils loosened during the prespray. For extra-soiled
carpets, we may use our Rotovac 360 rotary extractor for the follow-up.
Is your service
more expensive than conventional carpet cleaning? What are the current
rates for carpet, stairs, upholstery, and area rugs?
There are many "budget" cleaners who are cheaper than Organic
Choice,
but the majority have sketchily
trained technicians, use harsh chemicals, and provide poor customer service. The
minumum charge for an on-site cleaning is $115.00, which can include a
combination of services.
Residential Carpets: our rate is 30 cents per square foot for carpet.
Commercial Carpets (schools, office buildings etc.): our rate for commercial space is $100.00 for the first 500 square feet. After 500 square feet, the rate is 30 cents per square foot.
Stairs: Stairs are 3.50 @ -- the average 12 step staircase is $42.00.
Upholstery: Charges are by the linear foot -- a typical 5-6 foot couch with cushions costs $90.00.
Area rugs and Oriental carpets: When cleaned on-site, charges for on-site cleaning of area rugs typically range from $5.00 to $40.00 depending on the size of the rug.
What do you charge
to take away area rugs and oriental carpets? What is the turnaround
time? How does your method differ from cleaning plants and hand
washing? Can I bring my rugs to you?
Including pick up and delivery, our rate is $1.25 per square foot to clean one
side,
$1.75 per square foot
to
clean both sides (for reversible carpets). Companies that use industrial machines
and "hand
washing" typically charge much more per square foot. They are sometimes
worth the extra money for expensive carpets, but check with them on chemicals
used.
Organic Choice cleans using hot water extraction. Generally, rugs and carpets
are returned within 48 hours. We schedule pick-ups and returns with you for
your convenience.
The minimum charge for carpets taken away is $50.00. We do not have a store location,
so
you
cannot bring your rugs to us.
Do you offer discounts?
We offer a 10% discount on jobs over $150 for repeat customers,
or for new referrals (please let us know who referred you).
We offer a 20% discount for empty houses and apartments, which
are
usually
for move-outs and move-ins.
Will the moisture used in cleaning damage my wood floors?
No, there will be no moisture under the carpets cleaned, and any
overspray that may occur will be wiped up and cause no damage to
any kind of
hard surface, including
laminates.
How far in advance do I need to book an appointment?
Our schedule is different every day, so your job may fit into tomorrow's
schedule, or you may have to wait a while. Small jobs (under
$200) can generally be fit
in on short notice.
Do you move furniture to clean under it?
We will move some furniture (sofas, chairs, tables, etc.) and
will place styrofoam pads under legs that might stain the
carpet. We
will not move
some musical
instruments, grandfather clocks, most beds, dressers, full
china hutches, full bookshelves, entertainment
centers, pool tables, etc. We reserve the right not to move
any piece of furniture or household object that we do not
feel comfortable
with.
What can I do to prepare?
You should remove small objects and breakables from the areas to be cleaned.
If you want objects like bookshelves moved, you should remove all contents
before we arrive.
Will spots come back? If so, do you charge to come back?
Sometimes residue and even smells from deep spills will wick
back to the surface as a result of moisture getting to
them during a
deep cleaning.
Usually, a
quick wipe with a damp cotton towel will remove the residue.
If that doesn't
work,
we will come back free of charge to bonnet clean them and "cap" the
residue. This dry approach keeps from reactivating the
residue.
How long will it take the carpets to dry?
In sunny, warm weather with
windows and drapes open, drying takes approximately 8-12
hours, but on foggy, rainy, cold, or overcast days, or in rooms that
receive little light, the drying time can be anywhere from 8 - 24
hours. Turning on the heat and using fans speeds drying time. Staircases
generally take an average of 4-8 hours longer
to dry.
How long before I can walk on my carpet?
You can walk on your carpet immediately, but be careful
walking off the carpet to a hard surface, because
you could slip.
We recommend wearing slippers,
or other
waterproof footware (not just socks) that will keep
your feet from getting wet.
What areas do you serve?
We currently serve the East Bay from Crockett in the north
to San Leandro in the south, from Oakland in the
west
to Lafayette
in the
east.
Should I vacuum before the cleaning?
It's not necessary since we do a dry vacuuming before
spraying, but removing dry soil is always a good
idea. Fabric is
damaged by leaving
soils unremoved,
especially
abrasives like sand.
How does your methods differ from those of ChemDry?
We can't comment on specific franchises that
use a "dry" approach,
but in general they do a "bonnet cleaning" that
consists of vacuuming, spraying a cleaning
solution and buffing with a cotton pad. Those
who don't like
this method say it just "pushes the dirt
around", but with some industrial
fabrics, like olefin, that tend to "wick
back",
it may be a good way to go. We will
return at no charge
to do bonnet cleaning if stains appear
after our usual wet approach.
What can I do to keep my carpets clean?
• If wearing street shoes, use entry mats to
remove most of the dirt upon entering the
house
• Even better, remove shoes upon entering
• Get a good vacuum and use it at least once
a week
• Treat spills and accidents (from pets or
people) immediately.
How often should I get my
carpets and upholstery cleaned?
Have carpet and upholstery steam cleaned
1-3 times a year, depending on soiling
rate and
health of
residents.
Will your services help my allergies?
Yes, having your carpet and furniture cleaned
removes pollutants and improves indoor
air quality (IAQ).
Will you remove my stains?
We use several techniques to remove stains, however, some
spots will not
come out completely,
like
pet stains that
were not treated
quickly with an enzyme cleaner and
long-standing rust and dye stains.
Does cleaning
my carpet make it wear out faster?
No, actually dirt is full of sand
which acts as an abrasive when trapped
in
your carpet
or fabrics
-
it should be
removed to reduce
wear.
Does your process restore the original
feel of my carpet?
Our process leaves your carpet
fresh, clean, residue free and
soft to the
touch, but
once fabric is
gone, it will
never come
back,
so that
fluffy,
new carpet
feel tends to disappear in high
traffic areas.
How does Organic
Choice fit into
the green cleaning movement?
To do green cleaning, Organic
Choice uses products that:
meet Unified
Green Cleaning
Alliance
Standards, have
MSDS Sheets
prepared by
third-party CHMM's,
contain
no Sara Title III, CA65, or
EPA priority pollutants, cationic
softeners,
optical
brighteners, harsh
fumes, chlorine,
ammonia, petroleum
solvents, alcohol, butyl,
glycol ether, SLS, SLES, DEA
MEA, known carcinogens, mutagens,
teratogens,
or materials listed
by the ACGIH as hazardous.
How are bodily fluids, like
pet urine, treated for appearance
and
odor?
Enzyme cleaners are most
effective in neutralized
pet odors arising
from urine,
feces, vomit,
etc. Approaches
used
include disinfecting
baths
and injections.
Is there an extra charge
for spot and stain removal?
Spot and stain removal
is never an add-on, as
with
other companies,
but done as
part of the
basic
cleaning. Generally,
Organic
Choice is able
to remove
all spots; however, stains
caused by some paints,
water damage, rust,
and
some pet
accidents on white or off-white
fabrics
can be reduced but not
completely removed.
Are there any guarantees
that the work will be
done well?
Do disasters
ever
happen?
Organic Choice offers
a 100% satisfaction guarantee
or
money is returned.
If problems arise, we
exhaust all remedies
until our customers
are completely satisfied.
Being on-time and reliable
is important to customers.
How does Organic
Choice measure up?
We believe that
ongoing carpet maintenance
is
foremost about building
relationships.
We are almost
always available
to answer
to take your call.
If we do not pick up, please leave us a message, and we will get back
to you right away. We truly care about helping
people enjoy living
and working
in a healthy
indoor environment.
Our
customers have
learned that
in Organic
Choice, they
have a long-term home care
consultant
who always strives
to provide good advice
and quality service.
What are the pros and cons of using carpet protectant (like "Scotchgard")?
Cons -- not an organic, natural product
Pros -- forms an invisible
shield, like
a sealant,
around each
fiber
•Repels liquid
spills
• Helps carpets
last longer
•Protects your
carpet investment
•Helps make carpets
easier to care
for
•Dries quickly
and leaves no
odor
•Is non-toxic,
CFC- and solvent-free
and is safe
for family and pets